Kwanzaa (Kwanzaa)

The symbol of Kwanzaa - candlesFrom December 26 to January 1 each year, the African American holiday week of Kwanzaa is celebrated. It is considered to be a period of unification and friendship between the two nations. Time to start.

For the first time, the week of Kwanzaa was held from 26.12.1966 to 01.01.1967.

During the holiday week, African Americans gather at a table every evening, light candles (the symbol of Kwanzaa) and discuss one of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, on which African culture is based. These principles are: free expression of will, single collectivism, responsibility for actions, unified economy, determination, creativity and faith.

The history of the holiday dates back to 1966, when African Americans fought for their rights to freedom and independence. It was at this time that Ron Karenga, leader of the nationalist United Slaves Organization, proposed the idea of celebrating Kwanzaa for African Americans as an alternative to American Christmas.

Kwanza, translated from Kiswahili (Kiswahili, or Swahili, the spoken language of the African continent) means “matunda ya kwanza” – “first fruits”. Another letter “a”, according to one version, was added by Ron Karenga for consonance and giving “loudness” to the name.